FAQ

Academic and Arts Programming Questions

What are graduation requirements at MSSPA?

Main Street School of Performing Arts standards ensure students exceed state graduation requirements. Students must earn 56 credits to graduate, with requirements in Language Arts, Mathematics, Science, Social Studies, Physical Education, and, of course, Arts Electives.

What are arts classes like at MSSPA?

Our arts curriculum focuses on Theory and Creation. Courses of study are designed to specifically enhance the students’ ability to create his/her own work, placing an emphasis on the history and application of core elements of each discipline. A student’s schedule typically has atleast one blockper day with an arts course such as improvisation, acting, theatre movement, ballet, modern dance, jazz dance, ballet technique, music theory, music history, or music ensembles. Class environments support and encourage each student’s artistic growth and discovery.

What world languages and other non-arts electives are offered?

We offer beginning to advanced levels in Spanish and multiple offerings in Language Arts such as creative writing and playwriting. Most students are required to take elective classes in Science, Math, and Social Studies, with Forensic Science, Pyschology, Sociology, Stastistics, and more among course offerings.

What is a typical class size?

The average class size is 22 students per class. Classes like show choir and choir are large on purpose to encourage collaborative learning, while many classes are small to promote strong relationships between teachers and students.

Are students required to audition to get into the school?

No. The Main Street School of Performing Arts does not have an audition process. We are a tuition-free, public, charter school open to any Minnesota high school student artist serious about their craft and expressing their artistic talents, while participating in a rigorous academic program.

We do, however, expect students to perform at a placement and registration workshop to place them in arts classes that will challenge them to grow in their artistry.

How many productions does MSSPA put on each year?

MSSPA produces two mainstage theatre productions, a musical, six music concerts, and two dance productions, which is among the fullest performance schedules of any school in the Twin Cities. All of these productions are at professional venues around the Twin Cities, including the Illusion Theater, Icehouse MPLS, JSB TekBox at the Cowles Center, Music Box Theater, the LAB Theater, and many more.

Students have additional opportunities through the Studio Series and NO SHAME, which feature student-originated works. The Studio Series has featured music performances, improv shows, and speech competition pieces. NO SHAME is similar to a variety show, and is held almost monthly, showcasing student work in each arts area. Occasionally, class projects become performance pieces in this event.

In addition, MSSPA has partnered with the Southern Theater’s Artshare collective to produce a multi-disciplinary work for the past two seasons. MSSPA is the only school in this collective that is a resident company member.

General Questions

What is MSSPA's food service program?

MSSPA contracts through Royal Cuisine, the Hopkins School District’s nutrition program, for food service. Breakfast is served daily, as are hot lunch, sandwich and salad options. The program is nationally recognized for its nutrition, featuring many locally grown ingredients prepared fresh daily.

What sorts of extra-curricular activities does MSSPA offer?

Main Street School offers an optional enrichment block called Block 5 for students. Extra curricular activities and arts enrichment activities are available during this time. Block 5 opportunities change throughout the year and are based on student participation and interests. MSSPA also has the popular “No Shame” program, a monthly school-sponsored variety show, giving students an opportunity to showcase their own work in a public setting.

How diverse is the MSSPA student population?

One of our school’s core values is acknowledging and advancing diverse perspectives. To this end, we cultivate an inclusive environment that supports the academic and artistic needs of a diverse student population. Our student body is approximately 18% racially and ethnically diverse, with approximately 34% male students and 66% female students.

Does MSSPA provide Special Education services?

Yes. We employ a special education staff to manage IEPs and help students succeed. If you have specific Special Education questions, please contact the main office at 952-224-1340 and you’ll be put in touch with more information regarding these services.

What type of technology does MSSPA have?

MSSPA is committed to offering the latest technology to our students including a Mac lab, and several mobile laptop labs for student use. Many courses are supplemented with Google Classroom.

What about transportation?

MSSPA contracts with a bussing service to transport students before and after school. Because of state law, if you live within the Hopkins School District boundary, your student’s transportation is paid by the school. If you live outside of the district boundary, you may be assessed a transportation fee.

Many students take Metro Transit to and from school, as MSSPA is right on the 12 line. Student-rate Go-To cards are available from the main office.

What sorts of extra-curricular activities does MSSPA offer?

Main Street School offers an optional enrichment block called Block 5 for students. Extra curricular activities and arts enrichment activities are available during this time. Block 5 opportunities change throughout the year and are based on student participation and interests. MSSPA also has the popular “No Shame” program, a monthly school-sponsored variety show, giving students an opportunity to showcase their own work in a public setting.

Charter School Questions

What is a Charter School?

Charter schools are public K-12 schools started by parents, teachers, and/or community members who apply for a “charter,” which defines the school’s specific mission and goals, and how these goals will be measured. Charter schools must be authorized by a sponsor, who then files an affidavit of intent to sponsor a charter school with the state for approval. Sponsors of charter schools may be non-profit organizations, foundations, local school districts, intermediate school districts, or post-secondary institutions. Charter schools are accountable to their sponsors, parents and families, the state, and the public for achieving measurable results in student achievement and for implementing fiscally sound management. Charter schools are extremely diverse in their focuses. From project-based high schools to arts-intensive schools to online learning and technology-focused schools, the missions of charter schools in Minnesota vary widely. Since charter schools are public schools, they are open to anyone, free of charge.

How is a charter school (MSSPA) different from a traditional district school?

It’s not that different. Both require the same or similar credits for graduation. Both are tuition-free and open to all students.

The differences lie in size of the school, curricular focus, and board governance.

Our enrollment may not exceed at 325 students, so our community is intimate. Our staff knows our students well, encouraging positive relationships and outcomes for all learners.

MSSPA’s focus of electives are in the performing arts. All students are expected to grow as artists, completing coursework in music, theatre, dance, and/or musical theatre.

MSSPA has an independent school board, made up of community members and teachers. Unique to MSSPA, half of the school board is a teacher, empowering those with a vested interest.

How are charter schools funded?

Charter schools are funded by the State of Minnesota on a per-pupil basis and may also receive funding for federal title, special education, and English Language Learning programs. MSSPA and other charter schools also receive funding called “lease aid” to assist with costs associated with managing the building.

Many area school districts ask taxpayers for additional revenue by referendum or levy. Charter schools have no such authority, so MSSPA bridges the difference by raising funds like most 501(c)(3) non-profit organizations.

When can a student enroll at MSSPA?

If a student artist is interested in attending the current school year, they should fill out the online enrollment form and submit it as soon as they can. We accept students for the current school year during the first two weeks of each quarter. Students can submit enrollment materials for the next school year after the first week of October. We will accept enrollment materials through the year, however, if we reach enrollment capacity, a lottery will be held. We encourage students to get all enrollment materials in by the end of March for the coming school year. Enrollment information is available by clicking here.

Does MSSPA have an admissions policy?

Charter schools are public schools and are, therefore, bound by public law that defines public school admission policies as nonsectarian, nondiscriminatory, and tuition free. Charter schools are open to all students free of charge.

All students enrolling at MSSPA are expected to participate in an Arts Placement Workshop, which determines the appropriate coursework for their academic and artistic level.

Does an MSSPA student need to open enroll in the Hopkins School District?

No. Students enrolling in MSSPA will do so directly with our school. MSSPA is a charter school, an independent school unto itself. Students from any Minnesota school district may enroll directly at MSSPA.

Do students living in the Hopkins School District get preference for enrollment?

No, there is no geographical preference. The Main Street School of Performing Arts seeks to provide all interested high school student artists from across the Twin Cities and Minnesota the opportunity to attend our school. Students who submit timely enrollment materials shall be enrolled unless the number of interested student artists exceeds the capacity of a program, grade level, building, or class. Enrollment is then determined via lottery.